Oregon Convention Center:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd./ Alberta Street

Alberta/MLK

What's New

NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Gateway and Heritage Markers Concept Master Plan
Fill out our Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Action Plan questionnaire (5 questions)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Projects now eligible for TOD Property Tax Exemption

The 1993 Albina Community Plan, inner Northeast Portland’s planning and vision document, called for an extension of the Oregon Convention Center Urban Renewal Area to include parts of Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Blvd and Alberta Street. The plan guided development to occur in nodes of commercial activity supported by residential and mixed uses along the boulevard. Building on the Albina Community Plan, the PDC adopted the MLK Boulevard Commercial Development Strategy in 1998 to guide private investment in the area

In 2006, an inter-bureau team of staff was organized to refocus limited public resources to further revitalization on MLK Blvd. After extensive outreach to gather the priorities and goals of the community, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Action Plan was approved by the PDC Board in June 2006. The Action Plan identifies 35 action items for public and private partners to implement, along with a set of measurables to guide and track progress.

Objectives

Assist the community in achieving its vision as defined by the Albina Community Plan and associated neighborhood plans
Implement the Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Action Plan goals, strategies and objectives
Carry out projects and support private activities that promote commercial revitalization, increase community wealth through local ownership and employment
Preserve and create middle-income and affordable owner and rental housing opportunities
Improve infrastructure and the streetscape environment
Meet community needs for local goods and services by making loans and grants available to businesses and property owners
Help spur revitalization via key catalyst redevelopment projects at critical nodes

Public Involvement

The MLK Advisory Committee provides feedback to PDC staff on Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard issues generally and the “north of Broadway” portions of the OCCURA more specifically. The committee identifies and communicates community issues and concerns. It assigns members to serve as resources on specific project, program or planning advisory committees, and who will report back to the full MLK AC regarding issues and implementation. Committee members provide feedback to project staff and a forum for public discussion on implementation of PDC projects, plans and programs in the area. They also assist project staff in identifying and involving other community stakeholders and partners in urban renewal projects, plans and programs and reports back to representative organizations, associations, or entities.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Advisory Committee (roster, agendas and meeting notes)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Action Plan

Action Plan

Overview

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Action Plan was developed in Spring 2006 to prioritize and leverage limited remaining urban renewal dollars available for the street. For over ten years, business and property owners, residents, PDC and the City of Portland have worked together to revitalize Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., however, there is still much to do. The Action Plan focuses on long-standing goals set forth for the area and identifies specific Action Items for both public and private partners to implement over the next five years.

Key Action Items

Encourage development of the vacant lots in the mid-section of MLK Blvd. to accommodate new businesses that increase community wealth and to develop housing appropriate for a variety of income levels.
Provide existing businesses with the tools, resources, and technical assistance they need to be successful.
Direct funds to improve the physical aspects and function of the street by
- Creating a gateway to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Establishing heritage markers that reflect the history of the area
- Continuing to improve parking options and traffic flow
- Leading an annual SOLV clean up that will focus on litter and graffiti
Market the Ambassador’s Network as a resource for businesses considering a move to Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Improve the image of the Boulevard by working with businesses, property owners, residents, and brokers to promote more shoppers and revitalization.

Video: MLK Action Plan progress

Progress

The MLK Advisory Committee meets quarterly and hears updates on Action Plan implementation progress. In March 2008 staff created a video (featured at right) highlighting the progress on implementing the Action Plan over the last two years. This video was shared with six community groups to spark discussion and gather feedback to be used in updating the Action Plan. Staff continuously solicits community input on ways to improve our work in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. area, and to this end, encourages responding to a simple questionnaire to better understand community priorities:

» Respond to our questionnaire

Annual SOLV Cleanup